Art Therapy for Early Intervention Children

Meet Jerry (pseudonym), a bright and sensitive boy diagnosed with mild developmental delay. Despite his reserved nature and hypersensitivity, Jerry has excelled in his special-education kindergarten, showing a willingness to try new things. In February 2023, Jerry joined our children's art therapy project. Initially, he thrived, but sometimes unexpected incidents made him freeze and he became unresponsive to questions about his feelings or needs.This hindered his full participation in the group sessions.

Apart from this challenge, Jerry's behavior varies between school and home. At school, he holds himself to high standards, shows a sense of responsibility, supports his peers, and responds well to teachers. However, at home, he sometimes shows distress. It indicates that Jerry needs more safe space to express his negative feelings. Recognizing the need for a safe space for Jerry to express his emotions, we transitioned to one-on-one sessions. This personalized approach has helped him engage more fully in art therapy and communicate better.

In these one-on-one sessions, Jerry used animal toys and Lego bricks to tell stories, expressing a range of emotions. For example, he once built railway tracks running right through a parking lot, symbolizing the multiple tasks he juggles and challenges he faces in similar situation. Encouraged by the therapist, Jerry found a way for the two structures to coexist by building the tracks on a bridge over the parking lot. This small, creative success boosted his confidence in problem-solving in real life.

In another session, Jerry quickly built a “skyscraper” with Lego bricks that would have fallen without the therapist’s help, demonstrating his tendency to act more mature than he truly was. Realizing the importance for Jerry to grow at his own pace, the therapist then introduced a free-form and sensory-rich medium, sand, to encourage Jerry to explore and create without boundaries. Jerry's response to the sand was very positive. It allows him to explore freely without the need to act mature.

Thanks to your support to our art therapy sessions, Jerry's communication skills and openness have improved, preparing him to transition to an inclusive educational system. There are other children with similar needs in Jerry’s school, with your continued support, they will have the opportunities to thrive. With your donation, we are able to provide the essential resources and therapy sessions that help these children express their feelings, develop crucial skills, and build a brighter future. Your kindness and generosity is very much appreciated!

With gratitude,

Mavis Tsai

Links:

• TFCF Taichung City Child Development Center FB (in Chinese)
• Find all TFCF projects in GlobalGiving